The clinical and program activities assumed under this position are conducted as part of Behavioral Health Services Care Line (BHSCL) at the Chalmers P. Wylie VA ACC. The goal of FSC is to provide education, psycho-education, and other clinical services to Veterans diagnosed with a mental illness and their family unit. The incumbent will also provide education, consultation, and guidance to various other interdisciplinary teams within the Ambulatory Care Center.
Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met. Basic Requirements: Citizenship. Be a citizen of the United States. (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3g, this part.)May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria). Education. Candidates must meet one of the following: (1) Hold a master's degree or doctoral degree in marriage and family therapy from a program approved by COAMFTE, (2) Hold a master's degree or doctoral degree in marriage and family therapy from a MFT program from a regionally accredited institution, OR, (3) Hold a master's degree or doctoral degree in a comparable mental health degree (Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor, Social Work, Psychiatric Nursing, Psychology, and Psychiatry) that meets the current VA qualification standard of that profession. Licensure. Persons hired or reassigned to MFT positions in the GS-0182 series in VHA must hold a full, current, and unrestricted MFT license to independently practice marriage and family therapy in a State. Exception: The Secretary, or his/her designee, may waive the licensure requirement for persons who are otherwise qualified, pending completion of State prerequisites for licensure examinations for a period not to exceed three years from the date of employment on the condition that MFTs appointed on this basis provide care only under the supervision of a fully licensed MFT with an AAMFT approved license. Non-licensed MFTs who otherwise meet the eligibility requirements may be given an appointment as an MFT under the authority of 38 U.S.C.§ 7401(3). This exception only applies at the entry grade level (GS-9). For grades at or above the full performance level, the candidate must be licensed.May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria). Grade Determinations: Marriage and Family Therapist (Program Coordinator), GS-12 Experience, Education, and Licensure. In addition to the basic requirements, completion of one year of progressively responsible assignments and experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level which demonstrates knowledge, skills, and abilities that are directly related to the specific assignment. MFT program coordinators of family programs must be trained in family systems therapy/theory. If the assignment is responsible for providing systemic clinical supervision for licensure the individual must have an AAMFT Approved Supervisor credential. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the professional KSAs in subparagraph (b) below: Demonstrated KSAs. In addition to meeting the KSAs for GS-12 grade level, the candidate must demonstrate all of the KSAs below: Ability to organize work, set priorities, meet multiple deadlines, delegate tasks and facilitate team building. Ability to manage and direct the work of others to accomplish program goals and objectives. Ability to devise innovative ways to adapt work operations to new and changing programs, to develop staffing and budget requirements, and to translate management goals and objectives into well- coordinated and controlled work operations and ensure compliance with pertinent VHA policies. Ability to establish and monitor performance priorities according to standards and program evaluation criteria. Knowledge of family systems theory/therapy in coordination of family programs Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-12. Physical Requirements: The incumbent may be asked to perform physical tasks requiring standing, bending, stooping, kneeling, climbing stairs, and lifting up to 25 lbs.
Provide a wide range of evidence based family services to Veterans diagnosed with a mental health related condition and their loved ones (may include BFT, IBCT, CBCT for PTSD, SAFE, PAIRS, multifamily groups, family consultation, and crisis intervention). Utilize advanced clinical judgment to determine the appropriate treatment intervention for the Veteran and their loved ones. Provide family interventions independently. Allow for flexibility to provide services after hours and on weekends. Establish and maintain a therapeutic relationship with Veterans and their loved ones through engagement, rapport building, instilling hope, and offering support. Provide orientation and overall program information to the Veteran and their loved ones. Conduct comprehensive individual psychosocial assessments of the Veteran and loved ones, as well as couple/family assessments. Utilize advanced clinical training, insight, and experience to interpret data and to identify viable treatment options. Facilitate group psychotherapy and evidenced based practices, makes appropriate referrals. Coordinate outreach interventions to recruit Veterans diagnosed with a mental illness and their loved ones into family services. Promote and market family services and the benefits of participating in family intervention within the Ambulatory Care Center, to Veterans and in the community. Work collaboratively with community agencies, Vet Center, Veterans Organizations and the National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI). Adhere to the ethical and professional standards of the American Association of Marital and Family Therapists, VHA, and other statues. Basic knowledge of professional marriage and family therapy practice with emphasis on human development principles through cognitive, affective, behavioral or systemic interventions, and strategies that address high risk behaviors, wellness, personal growth, and career development across the life span. Knowledge and understanding of existing relevant statutes, case laws, ethical codes, and regulations affecting professional practice of marriage and family therapy. Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm Telework: Available (Ad hoc) Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 92942-O EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive. Contact Brandon.Hughes2@va.gov, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn mor